The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct

I love a proper console reveal and all the shared excitement it brings. Games, hardware features and specs, a price, and at last a launch date for all of us to look forward to. A new console made real.

Last night's excitement was almost too much for me, and I was thoroughly knackered by the end of the Direct. I was mentally exhausted from attempting to parse all the new details while also balancing multiple online conversations with different groups of friends, as well as hosting the dialogue in my head that sometimes spills out here. Two hours after the Direct had finished and I was still squinting at my phone, tucked up in bed but unable to sleep, trying to digest all the news and gather my thoughts.

I had hoped to blog about the Direct as it happened, but I quickly abandoned that idea. However, I did leave some notes, which survive here as mini-headlines that I fleshed out this morning.

Switch 2, June 5th. Let's have it.

There's a cow on a scooter! 

Mario Kart World will be available at launch. It looks great, even if I can't muster much enthusiasm for it. MK8 Deluxe perfected the MK formula, and we rinsed it to death in our house, though I'm sure Nintendo will succeed in making this one stand out in its own way. If I were to buy a Switch 2 at launch, I would pick up World, but it won't have much influence on my final decision. All that aside, did you see the cow on a scooter? Pretty fucking nice.

What if I don't want to speak with my friends?

 

So the new C-button is for Game Chat, which actually starts with a G, but whatever. I stopped paying attention very quickly during this section, as these features seem to be a prime example of Nintendo discovering things that have been industry standard for many years. "Communicate with friends and family while playing a game" - what a novel concept. Also, no one has three actual friends.

How many of those new Joy-Cons will we get through?

My main takeaway: magnets! I guarantee we'll be yanking those Joy-Con off the system without releasing the catch. Can't wait to see how strong they are! Also, I don't expect that the mouse functionality will feature much beyond the initial batch of games, and unless I can use it while rolling it up and down my thighs while sat on the sofa, it's going to be pretty useless. I do like the idea but don't think it's very practical.

Shit for the Digital Foundry nerds

Bigger screen, same thickness, up to 120 fps, HDR support, 4K output, fan ventilation for extra cooling; plugs! There were other words, I think, but I was content with "bigger screen, same thickness", as I'm a simple man who likes bigger screens and the same thickness.

How on earth is that not free? 

Welcome Tour is a lovely idea: it gives you the opportunity to jump inside the hardware, using it as a setting for mini games and the like. It's something you'd like to see bundled with the console, along the lines of Astrobot on PS5. However, you have to pay for Welcome Tour. Thanks, but no thanks. I'll make do with blindly stumbling through those first few hours of Switch 2 ownership, twisting off magnetised Joy-Cons without releasing the catch while appreciating consistent thickness.

June 5th is basically tomorrow!

June 5th is two months away. Once you hit 40, two months is nothing. I sometimes lose track of entire years. Switch 2 is upon us, so get hype (or not)!

Things for games that are't actually games

Not sure about the pricing, but it's good to see that there will be Switch 2 upgrade options for select Switch games, some of which will include additional content. We got some accompanying apps, QR codes, and enhanced resolution and frame rate for new Pokemon - the children will be delighted. The game carts are an eye-catching red and some of them (all of them?) won't actually contain the game data, just a download key. Seems like a waste of plastic to me and one step closer to an all-digital future, which is something I have mixed feelings about.

Square Enix will remaster literally anything as long as it's not Final Fantasy Tactics

I liked Bravely Default Flying Fairy, but no one was clamouring for a remaster. Realistically, I didn't think we'd be getting Final Fantasy Tactics, but the FFIX remake seemed likely. Disappointment aside, there was a pleasing amount of third party games showcased, and even more delivered at a blistering pace during the sizzle reel. Elden Ring, Street Fighter 6, EA stuff, Hitman, Tony Hawk, James Bond, Professor Layton, Hyrule Warriors, Silksong etc. Exactly what you want to see from Nintendo's partners.

Give Me Eternal Darkness and NBA Street Vol. 2

GameCube is coming to Nintendo Online, exclusively for Switch 2. The initial batch of titles doesn't really interest me, but the potential for other games does. Also, that GC controller looks great. Imagine playing NBA Street Vol. 2 on the big TV with friends with all the conveniences that modern consoles offer! Now that's video gaming.

Is this Bloodborne 2?!

It was not Bloodborne 2, but it was close enough. From Software's The Duskbloods is due in 2026, is a Switch 2 exclusive, and is directed by Miyazaki himself. This was a huge surprise and a massive get for Nintendo. To be honest, my interest took a dive an hour later once I had discovered that it's multiplayer focused, but still, great job Nintendo.

A Stupid Necktie

Donkey Kong is a big miss for me - zero excitement for that. Kirby Air Riders, with Sakurai at the helm, sounds much better, and is something that I know my daughter will want to play. And while we're on the topic of first party games, I was a little surprised that there was no tease for a new Mario or Animal Crossing. I thought we might get a hint of at least one of those, one of which I expect will arrive in time for the holidays.

How much is it?

Nintendo avoided revealing price details during the Direct. Instead, it was all announced immediately afterwards via the official Nintendo site. I can see why, as the prices are on the high side of expectations. Lots to discuss here, including US tariffs, different models in Japan, a jump in price for software, cost difference between digital and physical, the cost of Switch 1 upgrades and plenty more. That's not really what this post is for, however, so we'll table most of that conversation for now. Most but not all.

The region soft-lock and the enthusiasm killer

In an effort to combat the weak yen, and prevent foreign scalpers from doing too much damage, Switch 2 will be available in two models here in Japan. The first will be the standard model, which will be available everywhere at 49,980 yen. This is a Japanese-language-only console that may only be used with a Japanese account. The expectation is that even games with English language options will still default to Japanese settings when played on this version. The second option is the multi-language system, which will only be available via Nintendo and will cost 69,980 yen. An inelegant solution to real issues, and a worrying step backwards toward region locking, however soft it may be.

Sure, this won't affect too many people, and it should enable Nintendo to offer the system in Japan at a "cheaper" price. Personally, however, it's a right bastard and has really dampened my enthusiasm for the system. Not a great one for multi-lingual families in Japan, like mine, or anyone here who likes to switch between accounts from different regions.

Will I buy a Switch 2 at launch? Probably not. There's nothing that I'm dying to play, and the language-locking is very frustrating. That being said, I enjoyed the Direct and I'm liable to get swept up in the launch excitement. Also, from what I can gather, I do meet the criteria to be entered into the pre-order lottery. I'll mull it over, but I'm leaning toward sitting this one out, for now at least.

Either way, new console! Let's enjoy it.